When to begin searching for Nanny/Daycare?

davidsdreamgirl

I'm only 7 weeks along but wanted to get thoughts on how early moms in the Boston/Cambridge area began searching for childcare. I thought perhaps the highly rated daycares might have waitlists etc. How did you all begin the search for daycare or nanny? Any recommendations (or where not to go!)? Ideally, I would like to hire in-home help and it's overwhelming to see all the profiles on sittercity.com and care.com! Thanks in advance!

ladylisalt

I started to search early, around the same time as you or maybe a few weeks further along. I figured if I can get daycare situated then that will be one stress I won't have to deal with later. I called many home daycares that were recommended word of mouth. Some did have trouble telling right then if they had a spot since it was early and numbers change, but I at least got to ask them basic questions, rule certain ones out,etc. I did get a call back a few months later from one lady, which I was happy to know followed through. However, at this time I have settled on someone. I think  you can at least start your search now and narrow down.

cvl105

I would definitely start looking now!  I don't live in Boston, but some of the daycares up by me (Tewksbury/Andover) had waitlists when I started looking.

CJ22

We did a search through my company's Employee Assistance Program, which was super helpful.  I've heard good things about care.com too.  I've learned (this is #2 for us) that in-home daycares don't really want to hear from you unless you need care in 3 months or less and center-based daycare - they're just the opposite - they want you to call ASAP since they have (and are able to) create waiting lists.  I'm 21 weeks now and was able to find an in-home provider that would meet with me (and hold a spot until January 2012!)  Such a relief to check that box!  GL!

caprocornia

We looked on the government website.  Ultimately we picked our provider based on a recommendation, but the gov't site has a list of all the licensed providers in the area.  If you are looking for a home daycare though, it's pretty early.  If you are looking for a center, however, it's probably a good idea to start now.  DD was born in October, and I think we finalized our decision in August, but we chose a home rather than a center.